Whether it was John Anderson guest-starring in a “Saturday Night Live” sketch in 1980, Frank Sinatra helping John F. Kennedy in 1960 or any number of other incidents, the overlap between politics and entertainment has a long tradition - but it seems the mix has reached absurd levels this election season.

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I see dead people

To Alex the 17-yr old who stated:
"To criticize a persons political beliefs is one thing, but when you criticize the character and personality of a person you do not even know, well then your just being plain hateful and immature."

Well, isn't that what Palin was doing to Obama by saying he was palling around with terrorists and stoking the right-wing fire ? His association with Ayers is a lot less involved than that of hers and her own spouse's with the likes of Vogler and his party. In your enthusiasm to defend your hero, do not turn a blind eye to her hurtful words and actions especially when they aren't telling the full story. Just as the McCain camp would like Obama to divulge everything, Palin needs to do the same as she could potentially become President. I don't see that happening.

Since they've been bringing back past cast members for one off appearances (eg. Chris Parnell) I'm hoping Lorne brings back Jimmy Fallon (Fallon's got to play ball, since he's taking over Late Night which Michaels produces) and they have Jimmy and Palin (as Tina Fey) host a quick mock Weekend Update off the top of the show with special guest Sarah Palin (Tina Fey) doing commentary.

Regardless of which candidate you like or hate, I would say this isn't a very smart move for her. SNL is a comedy show, and many of the sketches, though funny, reach the height of stupidity and stupid behavior. Palin is a person that is likely to be put in the position of vice president and maybe even president. Do you really want a country's leader, an icon representing the US across the world, to be on such a crazy silly show? It will just make her seem like a joke. Even if it is done well, it can so easily be taken out of its context. Whether you like her or not, I think it will not be good for her image.

As a person though, it sounds like she has a sense of humor which is kinda cool, but probably irrelevant to the ability to be a leader.

DC Dunne How dare you crack on Joe the plummer then turn around and say it isn't one...you're just using him to get your point across...which is what by the way? That you're so much better than the rest of us? Change your handle DC Bafoon

I think the Republicans will be hoping for everyone to be laughing with them, not at them. If she wont give an interview she may as well try out an acting gig. Someone writes the lines for her and she pretends😉

American politics are a shame! A reality show! That is why other nations are mocking us so hard... We are giving them reasons for it...The way I see it: The fall of the American empire is near! SHAME ON OUR POLITICIANS!

It's all about ratings (money). A good majority of American's are enamored with the cult of personality. We don’t delve into their qualifications; we focus on how they look or relate to our own perspective of the world around us. Palin is a star right now and with that she’ll bring the ratings. It’s all tied back to money…God Bless America.

I don’t care that she’s going to be on Saturday Night Live. I think she should enjoy the spotlight while she can. She’s unqualified to be VP (let alone the President should McCain and her be elected and he falls ill which is a very good possibility). That scares me…it’s incomprehensible that this is the best the Republican party can muster (in an effort to secure the conservative base).

Might as well laugh while we can; the rest of the world already is (over Palin).

Grow up and get a life! Thank goodness SNL is showing a bit of fair handedness. I was raised a staunch democrat and have almost always voted that way. I loved Bill Clinton and voted for him twice, so it breaks my heart that I can no longer associate myself with a party I once loved. I don't even recognize it anymore. Vigorous debate? Yes! Qualifications important? Of course. But just because we are opposed to a candidate, doesn't mean we should take out a machete and eviscerate him or her. I do not condone or appreciate disrespectful comments aimed at Barack Obama or Joe Biden (whom I have always liked and respected) any more than I can stomach those against McCain or Palin. As for Sarah Palin, I have some news for you folks–the Women's Movement was not and is not reserved for democrat women only. Shame on you! What a bunch of hypocrits!

To criticize a persons political beliefs is one thing, but when you criticize the character and personality of a person you do not even know, well then your just being plain hateful and immature. Sarah Palin seems to be a wonderful person and mother, who is very intelligent and understanding. I'm seventeen years old, a senior in high school who happens to be very interested in politics and the status of the American government, and I for one think that John McCain and Sarah Palin are the best chance for the survival of this great nation. Sarah Palin in undoubtably qualified to be VP, and while I would say that Joe Biden is probably more qualified than her, I think that Barack Obama and Sarah around around the same area qualification wise. As already stated you people who badger her and say terrible and harsh things about her are acting very immaturely. wow how does it feel for a kid in high school to call you grown adults immature? This hatred is disgusting, and very well may be the downfall of society. You dont even know her personally, how could you bring yourself to criticize her person as you do? To disagree with her beliefs is fine, its how its supposed to be in competition, but you people are being terrible. Palin really has become a hero to me. Yeah I admit it, im a guy whos hero is a woman. But Palin is a strong women, stronger than most, and should be respected. Oh and by the way I love Tina Fey and SNL and i think her being there would be great, and hilarious. Go Palin!

I would like to see a skit, where Sarah shares her gun and shooting skills with Dick Cheney. Then, they both go hunting from a helicopter. Or maybe Sarah could grab an m-16, and head off to Iraq as a one woman surge, where she finds her trademark wink surprisingly effective with the locals. Much like a super power. Yeah, that's it, Sarah 'The Wink' Palin.

I'd be surprised if this ever gets posted, but here goes;
It's a no win situation of Palin. Either she snubs SNL and is lambasted by people like you see on this board, or she goes and tries her hand at self-deprecation and will get lambasted by people like you see on this board. What completely amazes me is how ugly politics has gotten in our country. All one has to do is skim through the other postings here on this very board. To disagree is one thing – but just look at the nasty, hateful and hurtful words written. The left in this country (as shown on this board) has gotten real ugly.

TO JETT JACKSON
October 17th, 2008 1:46 pm ET If immigrants who longed to come to America saw these comments, and thought for a minute the hate and rudeness displayed was indicative of all Americans, they would run
the other way.

OR maybe they would see a country that is free and willing to complain and talk smack about their government without fear of receiving a bullet through their head in exchange!!

So only politicians you agree with can laugh at themselves on SNL? Whether you agree with McCain/Palin or not, it's only a TV show. One that is seldom funny anyway, so let the show try to get a bigger audience anyway they want. Don't watch if it offends you so much.

There is a reason for the Dan Quayle comparisons. Palin was a cynical pick for VP. For all the hatred spewed towards Hillary, and I’m NOT a supporter, you can’t now claim that those lobbing greandes at Palin are misogynists. Shall we tally up the insults by Rush and company?

I think they should do a "Mirror Mirror" skit with Palin talking to herself in the mirror, the reflection being Fey. Or a mistaken identity going either way would be funny. Heck, anything will be funny as long as Fey is there!

I notice that when Faux News tells some utter, complete lie, republicans don't say squat. But when someone tells the truth, they then start with the well, let's not be partisan, all politicians are the same, McCain and Barack are both terrible.

I'm afraid we're just too tired of the lies. Where was Republican indignation when Republicans lied us into a war that's now cost us over a Trillion dollars and over 4000 American Soldiers lives ?

Where was it all these years that the economy was tanking but Republicans kept lying about how great it was ? Do they now realize that they've been lied to all these years ? 700 Billion ?? Surprise ?

The Presidency is the toughest job in America. We cannot vote people of little intellect into a job which effects all Americans. We've tried that experiment with George. It failed miserably.

McCain has completely lost touch with America. He said the dividing line between middle class and rich was 5 million dollars. He thinks Joe Plumber at $250,000 a year is middle class. What the heck is that man smoking ?

And Palin ? I don't care how much Republicans try to spin it, it's an embarrassment to the country to put someone so completely lacking on a presidential ticket.

I think it would be really funny if they had both Palin and Fey on and they did a "nightmare" sketch with two Sarah Palins. Either that or they switched rolls and Palin was Fey, Fey was Palin... I don't know why people are so intimidated by Palin though. She might have some odd, non-popular, or even twisted beliefs, but she is in the minority on them so I wouldn't be so freaked out!

BS – I agree, I too am disgusted SNL will stoop this low, to have her on and give her recognition and in some way, validation. I emailed them last week and begged them not to have her on, but I guess the lure of ratings is too great.

Jeff Jackson - it hasn't stopped 10 million or so illegal Mexicans from coming into the country!!

Whatever skit they put her in, I think it will ruin the momentum they have had these past few weeks – the reason it's been so funny is because it's SATIRE and make believe – having the real, egotistical, hate-monger we know she is, will only diminish future SNL skits.

I think it would be great for Palin to go on SNL. They have a huge audience that will see what a tremendous joke she is. And maybe, just maybe all her supporters out there will wonder why she'd rather spend time in the public eye rather than spending some (obviously) much needed time and attention on her children.

I think the skit should be similiar to the Cheri Oteri / Judge Judy skit from several years ago. Oteri was mimicking Judge Judy in a court case and then "BAM" with the audience laughing loud, out came the real Judge Judy who proceeded to tell Cheri to get her skinny @$$ out of her seat. Then Judge Judy ruled on the case.

martythecrow20...
Welcome to America. In case you forgot, WE have the right to say and feel and vote however we want.
YOUR opinion is just that... YOURS.

As for being able to lead a nation... let's see... Reagan was nothing more than a second rate actor and a former Governor with no global economic or foreign policy experience... turned out to be a pretty decent president.

Clinton... another unknown Governor from a no-name state with no global economic or foreign policy experience... turned out to be a pretty decent president.

There are more, but will stick to recent history.
So your arguments on experience or "qualifications" fall flat.

There's nothing absurd about politicians getting involved in an entertainment program. McCain announced his bid on Letterman. Schwartzenagger on Leno. Obama introduced himself to many on SNL a full year ago.

I think having her in some sort of doppleganger circumstance with Fey is the way to go. It would be too priceless. I'd like to see them do a Weekend Update with Palin playing Fey (who could be introduced as guest anchor) while Fey does Palin!

I'd actually like to see Lorne Michaels go for absolute broke and get all 4 on at the same time. We saw last night both McCain and Obama do comedy quite well (no partisan wisecracks, please!).

I'm cynical about this appearance because I don't think this candidate is really capable of laughing at herself. She's just using the appearance to further her political ambitions, and is willing to go through just about any public humiliation to achieve that. What makes Sarah Palin so unlikable is what has been called her "excessive decisiveness" and polarizing tone. You can campaign for public office without screaming shrill attacks on the character of your opponent, and repeating accusations which you have zero knowledge about. Her mouth has been the Republican Party's sewage pipe throughout this campaign. I do think it would be funny to see an SNL skit where she is manning an anti-aircraft battery on the coast of Alaska, wearing helmet and flack-jacket, watching the skies for Vladimir Putin's imminent attack. Or she could be shown moose hunting from a helicopter and accidentally shooting Dick Cheney, who returns her fire. That would be funny.

I sure wish SNL would give Palin a permanent job on the show and let Tina Fey run for VP in her place. I might vote Republican for the 1st time in my life. I voted for Hillary and I'm still bitter, but not enough to be swayed by an otherwise entertaining stint on SNL by the governor. But by all means- it is always enjoyable to see 2 entertaining subjects (politics and comedy) coming together. Go on with your bad self, Maverick!

What, the ratings weren't high enough? I'm sure she'll play Tina Fey and Tina Fey will play Sarah Palin. But I am not amused by Sarah Palin and will not be watching. I'm very disappointed. They should have left well enough alone.

Why not? She's entitled to her 15 minutes of fame, and her time is almost up. Maybe she can do commercials; she's certainly attractive enough, and they pay more than governor of Alaska. As for the McCainiacs who think she's qualified to be VP, that says more about them than anything else.

So...you're telling me that Palin is going to host SNL...the same Palin that has YET to host a press conference during this campaign...the first time ever a VP candidate has not hosted a press conference...ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I hope SNL hits her where it hurts – I think the humor will be over her head and "she" will be the joke of the jokes and not even know it. Shame on you Team McCain.

i expect her to wink a lot – as usual.
Other than that, she'll probably do well enough since it is a non-political environment where she WILL NOT have to demonstrate how brilliant or just how knowledgeable she is in that arena.

To all those defending Palin, and acting like we're just a bunch of brutes for being critical, shame on you.

This is an important time in history where we need to be critical of potential leaders. You can throw around your "hockey mom" and "joe six pack" rhetoric all you want – we all know this woman was just a misguided cheap shot by McCain to try to pick up Hillary voters and steal the nation's interest in Obama, which had nothing to do with her experience or person. So stop acting like it personally offends you when we point out the fact that this woman is completely unable to lead the nation as Vice President, or God forbid, President.

Sarah Palin on SNL should be interesting– I don't know if i have the stomach to watch,however. I don't believe she has the slightest ability to really laugh at herself–so, I don't know what she will do. I doubt if they are going to let her write her own script– anymore then the McCains do. Anything that a lower than average right-wing nut job thinks is funny is not likely to fly on there.

I think it's topical and should be a blast. I am an immigrant (now citizen) of America, and I am appalled at the visciousness that is being spewed here. I got to vote absentee ballot today (btw not for McCain/Palin), and I think that this partisan hatred is un-american and one day will be the downfall of the GREATEST nation on earth. You can disagree in the strongest terms with someones political position or any socio/religious stances, but why does it always devolve into such childish name calling/and venomous rhetoric. Disagree...go ahead. Driving a verbal stake through someone who isn't a mirror image of your beliefs is immature at best.

Hmm, Palin just as qualified as Obama? Doesn't intelligence count for anything in American any more? Perhaps we should elevate Joe the Plumber by unanimous decree. That's not an insult to Joe the Plumber. It's a commentary on how low the standards are when we lay the laurel wreath on the head of Joe Six pack.

First off, it'll be the first time in a while SNL got decent ratings. Second as a soldier I feel at ease knowing that people so hateful yet cant even name 4 people their state has in congress are going to vote in mass next month. Save your hate, fix your ignorance.

Doesn't Sarah Palin have anything better to do than go on SNL? Perhaps she should work on her vocabulary, brush up on geography (for example, New Hampshire isn't in the Northwest) or study something... anything. She's a disgrace to America, a disgrace to women and a disgrace to politics (which is a pretty impressive feat, in and of itself).
I think Tina Fey has done a great job, but the sad part is that most of it is based in Palin's reality. Scary.

Her appearance is definitely helpful to her and the show. Anyone who is willing to basically mock themselves with self deprecating humor
helps them come off with a positive image. That is a plus for her and McCain but it'll take more than this to have anyone change their mind on whether or not to vote for her. She might be funny and generally a very nice person but so is my mother and she's not qualified to be vice President either.

I love SNL. Love Tina Fey. Love Sarah Palin. People who think they are "destroying" Palin clearly know nothing about comedy or satire. They're having a good time. I suggest conservatives and liberals both try and relax and learn to laugh at yourselves.

Sarah Palin will come on the show as Tina Fey and do a brilliant job as Liz on 40 rock. Then Tina Fey will appear with same outfit on and they will look at each other and compare themselves. They will do a version of the shell game, rotating around each other and confuse the audience as to who is who.

Why are you people so afraid of Sara Palin? It's ridiculous. She's obviously a capable woman and she seems very personable too. She is not likely to be VP, so just have some fun with the show and get on with your life.

Sarah Palin is an accomplished women who rose to the position of Governor through the votes of the people in her state – just regular people like you and I. Why would we discount that?

True, she doesn't speak in the senatorial manner we're accustomed to. I do not believe, however, that this makes her less intelligent than anyone on either ticket. She's her own person and speaks to people like we would normally talk with one another – using colloquialisms.

Gov. Palin is not perfect but she certainly deserves respect for what she's accomplished. She has lived a normal life that many Americans can relate to.

Tina Fey does a great job in her impersonations and SNL is no safe haven for anyone in political office. I am happy that they have invited Gov. Palin on the show as I think it recognizes the strong presence she has created for herself in the national spotlight in such a short timeframe.

I think it would be HILARIOUS to make her a reporter with the big, bad MAINSTREAM MEDIA. A few of the SNL cast would play political candidates and Palin would play a reporter with the political beat. She's got to get answers from the candidates - they bob and weave, speak in soundbytes, ramble on . . . she's got to figure out how to get a legit answer.

Perhaps the funniest thing Palin could do would be to deliver an unscripted speech on a major issue. For example, she could try to explain the current financial crisis or tell us exactly who we are fighting in Iraq. Anything serious she tries to discuss would quickly reveal her as the self-parody that she has become. There's no need for SNL to give her a script.

Wow, what a bunch of hatemongers (Sue, Terry, and BS). You act as if she has personally wronged you in some way.

Whether you want to admit it or not, she has just as good of credentials as Obama does. Just because he may be a smoother talker than her doesn't necessarily give him the edge on experience. What has he done in the Senate that makes him stand above all others? What budgets and organizations has he led?

The one difference between them is that she is only up for VP and he wants the Presidency. Personally, I don't think any of the four are the "best" candidates for the job, but you have to vote for someone. I won't vote for Obama because he is all about bigger government and that is the last thing we need right now.

So Palin is a joke, but Biden asking a crippled man to get up out of his wheelchair and standup is ok? Or his now infamous "3 letter word" – J-O-B-S. That's ok though, because he's a Democrat right? I see how it works.

How about Obama calling an inhaler a breathalyzer, then correcting himself and calling it an inhalator???

Life immitates art! She is funny enough ever day on the news. Never heard of a candidate refusing to be interviewed, but the world can see why.
Bring her on, it will be great for the ratings and hilarious TV. But not as hilarious as she is as a "qualified" candidate !

Nice that she has time to do SNL while on the campaign trail. Hey, Sarah, have you seen your kids recently? I hope the teleprompter breaks down and she's forced to ad-lib. "Let's talk about ENERGEE! You betcha! I'm a maverick!"

Wow... look at the unbridled hatred of a hockey mom. What happened to tolerance in the Democratic party? What happened to "understanding where people come from"? Oh, right, we only reserve that for terrorists who kill our fellow citizens. Why worry about her going on SNL? That's the most pressing issue in your life?

Palin will be good on SNL. They won't let her make a total fool of herself. But, as evidenced with Michael Phelp's appearance, they can't make her look comfortable as a comedic foil nor can they make her comedic delivery great. That's the big question.

They'll likely have a Fey-as-Palin vs. Palin sketch, which will be funny. Palin is appearing in the hopes that she will seem more like you and me, instead of bumbling through more TV appearances. I see this as a net win for the GOP ticket because anytime the Republican candidate can look relaxed and funny in our living rooms, the effect is good. But will it help the ticket come Election Day? I don't think so: Americans don't need another smirking face in the White House; they need a redirection in the course of this country and most know this won't come from the GOP.

Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to the United States, and it's a shame that SNL needs the ratings that badly that they will have her on the show. Even without a comedy sketch going on around her, this woman is a complete joke, and if the audience does anything short of booing her off the stage, it will only further highlight the sad complacency people have had with this bogus VP choice.

I for one, won't watch and I think giving her a place on SNL before the election only legitimizes her and her backward thinking, anti women attitude. She won't see the satire against her, her ego is so huge that she thinks she is being brought up because she is so big and important that they HAVE to have her on. All SNL is doing is pandering to the ratings when they should be shunning Moosejaw Barbie who, if she had her way would not allow shows like SNL to exist in the first place. Shame on SNL!

You people are such hypocrits – you don't want democracy you only want obamacy. This station and web-site is full of hatred and whiners...wonder if this will actually make a post! Such biased nasty comments – the latest whining is about a HORRIBLE cartoon about Obama and watermellon...OK what about the HORRIBLE one about Palin and her cleavage...not to mention the Faux Porn. YOU PEOPLE are allowing the women's movement to go back into the dark ages! You are not Feminists and people out for equal rights, you are only out for your own self serving interests.

Perhaps, Palin will play the role of a clueless hockey mom married to a "terrorist" secessionist who gets elected to play governor. Later, as the plot thickens, a senile old man, chosen by a faltering political party to run for US president, chooses her as his running mate. She tries to convince the American people that she has what it takes, by putting on quite a show – winking, hillbilly talk and all. However, the American public isn't fooled by her and her senile running mate, so, when the election ends they all move to her home state where she and Mr. Senility are never heard from again and everyone in America lives happily ever after

She is always good for a laugh!! I say bring her on!! Playing herself as a not so bright politician should come naturally. I look forward to it, and so should all those die hard Palin fans that have blinders on as to what this election is all about.

Lorne Michaels will lock Sarah Palin in the janitors closet and Tina Fey will hit the campaign trail. McCain will win the presidency and Tina Fey will become president when John McCain bows out due to constipation. Tina Fey will appoint Alec Baldwin as Vice President and our country will become 30 Rock. It will be fun I promise.

They should have her as a guest on Weekend Update- the teleprompter will do her good. I may suggest she come as a Tina Fey impersonator. Then have the real Tina Fey show up to confront her for the impersonation. Another idea would be a Tina Fey-Sarah Palin mud wresting contest. Or maybe we should reserve that idea for an HBO Pay Per View.

this is BS. They shouldn't even let her on the show.
She doesn't deserve to be there. Don't give her any opportunity to "lighten" the scrutiny on her. She's a joke and an insult of a candidate.
SNL should just keep nailing her. Unless they trick her into burning some books on stage or talking about what time jesus is coming back for the rapture. I PRAY the audience boo's her.
But if they get her to play a flute, I will ask SNL to marry me.

Palin is a public shame. I cannot believe she is even a Vice Presidential candidate. Let her go on Saturday Night Live and make a fool of herself. She doea it so naturally–remember the debate. She has no vocabulary. Let us all pray that she will be laughed away and that she NEVER becomes a presidential candidate in 2012.